PROVERB OF THE DAY (Proverbs 1) 1. The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel: 2. To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding, 3. To receive the instruction of wisdom, Justice, judgment, and equity; 4. To give prudence to the simple, To the young man knowledge and discretion— 5. A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel, 6. To understand a proverb and an enigma, The words of the wise and their riddles. 7. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; 9. For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck. 10. My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11. If they say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12. Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13. We shall find all kinds of precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14. Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”— 15. My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path; 16. For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17. Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18. But they lie in wait for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19. So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. 20. Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares. 21. She cries out in the chief concourses, At the openings of the gates in the city She speaks her words: 22. “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge. 23. Turn at my rebuke; Surely I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you. 24. Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand and no one regarded, 25. Because you disdained all my counsel, And would have none of my rebuke, 26. I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your terror comes, 27. When your terror comes like a storm, And your destruction comes like a whirlwind, When distress and anguish come upon you. 28. “Then they will call on me, but I will not answer; They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me. 29. Because they hated knowledge And did not choose the fear of the LORD, 30. They would have none of my counsel And despised my every rebuke. 31. Therefore they shall eat the fruit of their own way, And be filled to the full with their own fancies. 32. For the turning away of the simple will slay them, And the complacency of fools will destroy them; 33. But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, And will be secure, without fear of evil.”

“Be sure never to charge anyone falsely with evil. Never sentence an innocent or blameless person to death, for I never declare a guilty person to be innocent. EXODUS 23:7

SERMON TO LIVING ONES IN THIS LAST AGE — COLOR RED IN NO.7 VISION = SACRIFICE OF JESUS — OF HIS DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION = SIGN OF PROPHET JONAS — AS ONLY SIGN IN ENDTIMES Expand with scriptural support — Eph 5:26-27 — Call to prepare now --- TEXT: VISION Color Red in No.7 Vision = sacrifice of Jesus, of His death, burial, resurrection = sign of prophet Jonas. As only sign in endtimes. No more die for our sins but return to pick church of Him with no wrinkle or spot. Thus it's a call to prepare now living ones in this last age. By using grace of His death burial resurrection like those dead to sin to believe & put sinfulness dead with His death & have newness in Christ through His resurrection. And those fallen that make spiritual revival using His sacrificial death, to wash themselves from and be pure before God. Eph 5:26-27 — That He might sanctify and cleanse her with washing of water by word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 1. COLOR RED IN NO.7 = BLOOD SACRIFICE — NOT ANGER — LOVE Isa 53:5 — But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Lev 17:11 — For life of flesh is in blood, and I have given it to you upon altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is blood that makes atonement. Red 7 seen in visions — Not Red of Satan shedding blood Prov 6:17 — hands that shed innocent blood — But Red of Christ shedding His own Blood — Acts 20:28 — Church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Heb 12:6 — For whom LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives — Red 7 judgement first to house 1 Pet 4:17 — is purification with love — to bring Gold pure Job 23:10. 2. SIGN OF PROPHET JONAS = DEATH, BURIAL, RESURRECTION — ONLY SIGN IN ENDTIMES Matt 12:39-40 — An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except sign of prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in belly of great fish, so will Son of Man be three days and three nights in heart of earth. Luke 11:29-30 — This is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it except sign of Jonah prophet. Jesus said endtimes wicked generation asks for signs — miracles, wonders, prophets — But only ONE sign remains valid: His Death, Burial, Resurrection. 1 Cor 15:3-4 — For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again third day according to Scriptures. That is Red 7 — Death — Burial — Resurrection. No more die for our sins — Heb 10:10 — We have been sanctified through offering of body of Jesus Christ once for all — Heb 9:28 — So Christ was offered once to bear sins of many. His return now is not to die again — Heb 9:28 — To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear second time, apart from sin, for salvation — But to pick church with no wrinkle or spot — Eph 5:27. Thus Son says: Stop looking for another sign — Stop looking for dead prophets — Sign of Jonas is enough — Believe it. 3. CALL TO PREPARE NOW LIVING ONES IN THIS LAST AGE — USING GRACE OF HIS DEATH BURIAL RESURRECTION Rom 6:4 — Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from dead by glory of Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Rom 6:6-7 — Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Living ones — True Israel in last age — 1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin — Hear call: A. Use grace of His Death — Be dead to sin — Believe & put sinfulness dead Rom 6:11 — Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Gal 2:20 — I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. Col 3:5 — Therefore put to death your members which are on earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. By faith — 1 Cor 15:31 — I die daily — Use His death as your death — Your anger, fornication, lie, gossip, masturbation, drunkenness — Put it dead with His death — 1 Pet 2:24 — Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness. B. Use grace of His Burial — Bury old life — No return Rom 6:4 — buried with Him — Col 2:12 — buried with Him in baptism — Bury world — Bury evil altars — Bury ancestor worship — 2 Cor 5:17 — Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. C. Use grace of His Resurrection — Have newness in Christ Rom 6:4 — even so we also should walk in newness of life. Eph 2:5-6 — Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ and raised us up together. 2 Cor 5:17 — If anyone is in Christ, he is new creation. Resurrection power gives clean life — Phil 3:10 — That I may know Him and power of His resurrection. This is how living ones prepare — Not by works — By grace of death burial resurrection — Eph 2:8 — For by grace you have been saved through faith. 4. THOSE FALLEN — MAKE SPIRITUAL REVIVAL USING HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH — WASH YOURSELVES AND BE PURE BEFORE GOD Some living ones have fallen — Fornication, adultery, theft, occult, alcohol — Son says: Make revival NOW — Using sacrificial death — Wash. Eph 5:26-27 — That He might sanctify and cleanse her with washing of water by word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 1 John 1:7 — But if we walk in light as He is in light, we have fellowship with one another, and blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Rev 1:5 — To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood. 1 John 1:9 — If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Isa 1:16-18 — Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Put away evil of your doings... Come now, and let us reason together, says LORD, Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow. Zech 13:1 — In that day a fountain shall be opened for house of David and for inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness. Tit 3:5 — Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through washing of regeneration and renewing of Holy Spirit. How to wash? Confess — Prov 28:13 — He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy. Forsake — Isa 55:7 — Let wicked forsake his way. Believe Blood — Heb 9:14 — How much more shall blood of Christ... cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve living God? Live pure — 1 Tim 4:5 — Sanctified by Word of God and prayer — John 17:17 — Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 5. NO MORE DIE FOR SINS — BUT RETURN TO PICK CHURCH WITH NO WRINKLE OR SPOT — ARE YOU READY? Heb 9:28 — To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear second time, apart from sin, for salvation. Matt 24:44 — Therefore you also be ready, for Son of Man is coming at hour you do not expect. Eph 5:27 — Glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle. Spot = sin practised — 2 Pet 2:13 — spots and blemishes. Wrinkle = old nature, age of flesh, not renewed — Rom 12:2 — Be transformed by renewing of your mind. Son wants church bought by Blood Acts 20:28 — belongs to Christ — True Israel — Gold pure after Red 7 — Green 7 — 144,000 Rev 14:4-5 — without fault before throne — Living ones — Not dead in sin. Rev 19:7-8 — Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for marriage of Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for fine linen is righteous acts of saints. CALL NOW — LIVING ONES: Use Red 7 — Sacrifice — Death, burial, resurrection — Sign of Jonas — Only sign in endtimes — Die to sin with His death Bury old man with His burial Rise in newness with His resurrection If fallen — Wash now — Revival now — Blood cleanses now — Before He returns to pick spotless church. Rom 14:8 — For if we live, we live to Lord; and if we die, we die to Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are Lord's. Prepare now — No wrinkle — No spot — Holy — Without blemish — Ready for catching up — 1 Thess 4:16-17 — Dead in Christ rise first, then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together in clouds to meet Lord in air. Amen — Red 7 = Love — Not to destroy you — To make you Gold — To make you ready.

Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, asking You to bring an end to every war and conflict. 🕊️ Lord, protect innocent lives, bring peace to troubled nations, and comfort every family affected by violence. Father, we also ask for Your protection over everyone facing floods and severe weather. 🌧️🌊 Keep families, children, the elderly, and vulnerable people safe. Protect homes, communities, livestock, and livelihoods. Give wisdom and strength to those working to rescue and help others. Lord, calm the storms, provide shelter for those in danger, and provide food, clean water, and everything people need. Let Your peace surround those who are afraid. “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him.” — Nahum 1:7 We trust You, Lord. Bring peace, protection, healing, and hope to our world. In Jesus Christ’s mighty name, Amen.

GLOBAL SERMON TO FIGHTING NATIONS NOW — AWAKENING — END TIMES WARNING — THROUGH VISIONS SON SHOWN — USA, RUSSIA, MIDEAST, ISRAEL, UK, UKRAINE, IRAN, GAZA, EUROPE, AFRICA Son warning through visions — Acts of kindness, faithfulness, obedience, love greater than works of Satan — Shedding blood, making weapons of mass destruction — Repent and pursue clean life through faith in Christ or face heavier judgement if refuse — 1 Pet 4:17-18 --- TEXT: 1 Pet 4:17-18 — For time has come for judgment to begin at house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be end of those who do not obey gospel of God? Now if righteous one is scarcely saved, where will ungodly and sinner appear? Matt 24:6-8 — And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars... For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom... All these are beginning of sorrows. Joel 2:28-30 — I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions... And I will show wonders in heavens and in earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 1. WHAT SON SHOWED THROUGH VISIONS — RED 7 — WHY NATIONS NOW FIGHTING Son showed me servant Reagan — visions in this last age — Red 7 — Judgement of correction first to house 1 Pet 4:17 — Purified with love Heb 12:6 — Not hatred — Zech 13:9 — I will bring one-third through fire, will refine them as silver refined, and test them as gold tested. They will call on My name, and I will answer them. I saw massive sorrow of chastening — house of God — to end massive glory Rom 8:18 — sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with glory which shall be revealed. Then same Red 7 turned to nations — to evil doers — Heavier strokes — Luke 12:47-48 — And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes... For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required. I saw Gold pure after Red 7 — Job 23:10 — When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold — Green 7 — 144,000 true Israel not practising sin 1 John 3:9, Rev 14:4-5 — ready for rapture. But fighting nations refused Red 7 — Therefore heavier judgement coming if refuse — Heb 10:31 — It is fearful thing to fall into hands of living God. What I saw: Maps — USA, Russia, Mideast, Israel, UK, Ukraine — tanks, drones, missiles, blood in streets, mushroom clouds drawings — Son said: Works of Satan. 2. THIS IS END TIMES — JESUS SAID IT Matt 24:3 — Disciples asked: Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be sign of Your coming, and of end of age? Jesus answered for today: Matt 24:7 — Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 2 Tim 3:1-3 — Know this, that in last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud... unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal... Rev 11:18 — Nations were angry, and Your wrath has come. USA vs Russia — UK with Ukraine — Israel vs Gaza vs Iran — Mideast burning — China watching Taiwan — This is not politics — This is Rev 6:4 — Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to one who sat on it to take peace from earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword. End times clock: Matt 24:33 — So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near — at doors! 3. SON'S WARNING: WORKS OF SATAN VS ACTS OF CHRIST — CHOOSE Son showed distinction — Through visions: Works of Satan that fighting nations now do: Shedding innocent blood — Prov 6:16-17 — These six things LORD hates... hands that shed innocent blood — Gen 9:6 — Whoever sheds man's blood, by man his blood shall be shed — Ukraine fields, Gaza children, Israel hostages, Sudan, Congo — All blood cries Gen 4:10 — Voice of your brother's blood cries out to Me from ground. Making weapons of mass destruction — nuclear, chemical, AI drones to kill — Ps 37:14-15 — Wicked have drawn sword... to slay those who are of upright conduct. Their sword shall enter their own heart. Lying, propaganda, sowing discord — Prov 6:19 — false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren. Pride of thrones — Prov 16:18 — Pride goes before destruction. Acts that Son says are MAJOR — Greater than Satan's works: Kindness — Eph 4:32 — Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. — 2 Chron 7:14 — If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Faithfulness — Gal 5:22-23 — Fruit of Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness... — Keep covenant, not break treaties. Obedience — 1 Sam 15:22 — Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice — Obey gospel, not generals. Love to each other — John 13:35 — By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. — Matt 5:44 — Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you. Clean life through faith in Christ — 1 John 3:9 — Whoever born of God does not practice sin — Tit 2:11-12 — Grace teaches us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in present age. Mic 6:8 — He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? Son says: Missile cannot save you — Kindness can — Faithfulness can — Love can — Because 1 Cor 13:13 — Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but greatest of these is love. 4. DIRECT WARNING TO EACH FIGHTING NATION NOW — REPENT OR HEAVIER JUDGEMENT USA: Prov 14:34 — Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is reproach to any people. — Your power given much — Luke 12:48 — to whom much given much required — Stop funding blood for profit — Return to 2 Chron 7:14 — Pursue peace, not dominance — Matt 5:9 — Blessed are peacemakers. RUSSIA: Isa 10:12 — When LORD has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, He will say, I will punish fruit of arrogant heart of king of Assyria — Tanks will not give you security — Ps 20:7 — Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember name of LORD our God. — Repent from shedding brother blood Ukraine — Gen 4:9 — Where is Abel your brother? UKRAINE & UK: Rom 12:17-19 — Repay no one evil for evil... Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says Lord. — Courage without Christ becomes vengeance — Choose forgiveness path — Matt 6:14 — If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ISRAEL: Deut 7:6 — You are holy people to LORD your God — But Rom 2:28-29 — He is not a Jew who is one outwardly... but he is a Jew who is one inwardly — True Israel not practising sin 1 John 3:9 — Zech 2:8 — He who touches you touches apple of His eye — Yet Matt 23:37 — O Jerusalem, Jerusalem... How often I wanted to gather your children together — Return to Messiah Jesus — Blood of Lamb not blood of enemies will keep you — Acts 4:12 — Nor is there salvation in any other. MIDEAST — IRAN, GAZA, LEBANON, SYRIA, YEMEN: Ps 83:4 — They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation — This counsel shall not stand — Isa 54:17 — No weapon formed against you shall prosper — Stop teaching children hatred — Deut 6:6-7 — Teach them diligently to your children truth not death — Turn swords to kindness — Isa 2:4 — They shall beat their swords into plowshares... Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. ALL NATIONS MAKING WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION: Rev 11:18 — Should destroy those who destroy earth. — Isa 2:19 — They shall go into holes of rocks, and into caves of earth, from terror of LORD when He arises to shake earth mightily. — Nuclear fire you make will judge you — 2 Pet 3:10 — heavens will pass away with great noise, and elements will melt with fervent heat. 5. SON'S FINAL CALL — DO IT NOW — SHARE IT NOW 2 Cor 6:2 — Behold, now is accepted time; behold, now is day of salvation. Heb 3:15 — Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts. Son warns: If refuse His punishment, heavier judgement — 1 Pet 4:17-18 — If judgement begins with us first, what will be end of those who do not obey gospel? If righteous scarcely saved, where will ungodly appear? Rom 14:12 — So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore NOW: Repent — Acts 3:19 — Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out. Pursue clean life through faith in Christ — Acts 26:18 — To open their eyes... that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me — 1 John 1:7 — Blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Show acts of kindness, faithfulness, obedience, love — Gal 6:10 — As we have opportunity, let us do good to all — Feed enemy, not bomb — Rom 12:20 — If your enemy hungers, feed him. Stop shedding blood, stop making weapons of mass destruction — Isa 1:15-16 — When you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you; Even though you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean. This is end times — King Oyo 34 dead — King Harald V 89 dead — Thrones empty — Next may be nations empty — Matt 24:22 — Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for elect's sake those days will be shortened. PRAYER DECREE FOR NATIONS NOW: Father, in Name of Jesus — Church bought by Blood Acts 20:28 — Let fighting nations USA, Russia, Israel, Mideast, UK, Ukraine, Iran hear Son warning through visions — Let them repent now — Pursue clean life through faith in Christ — Choose kindness over killing — Faithfulness over firepower — Obedience over pride — Love over mass destruction — Or face heavier judgement — But we pray — Ezek 33:11 — I have no pleasure in death of wicked, but that wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! We share this now — Awake spiritually — In Jesus' Name — Blood still speaks better than Abel Heb 12:24 — Amen. Rev 22:20 — He who testifies to these things says, Surely I am coming quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 2 of 2. Continued. So suddenly, out of the whirlwind, you'll notice that God speaks and His speeches seemed designed for the sole purpose, not of answering Job's problems, his questions, his perplexities, but of reducing Job to a state of godly humility and of humbling his pride. In the two addresses of the Lord, first we see that in chapters 38 through chapter 40, a series of questions each of which admits to but a single humiliating reply. God causes to pass before Job a panorama of his creation exemplifying all the wonders of his creation to such an extent that Job is overwhelmed by it and he says," I put my hand over my mouth I'll not say another thing before the Lord". Then in God's second address, it is designed to convince him of his error and charging God with injustice in His sovereign rule of the world and especially in his treatment of Job. Job had questioned the principles of God's rule so he has been ironically invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world for himself and as the test of his capabilities. Then formidable creatures which God has created are paraded before Job and he's asked to subdue one of them to prove that he's able and capable to rule the world. You should read chapters 38 through 42 and you will see this. Job's ignorance of God's providence in the natural order God says disqualifies him from passing judgment upon His rule in the moral order. Job is challenged to show his knowledge concerning the creation of the world, God's control of the sea, the command of the light, the formation and direction of many things such as light and darkness, snow and hail, rain and floods, lightning and thunder, dew and frost. He's challenged to show his knowledge concerning the government of the celestial world, the creation, endowment with instincts and direction of the animal world. Job at the conclusion of that address and that panorama of creation just says, "I put my hand over my mouth. I've uttered things too hastily". Then in the second discourse Job is invited to assume the divine attributes and rule the world if he can, but first let Job as a test of his capabilities, subdue one or two of God's formidable creations the rhinoceros and the crocodile. Job repents as God's challenges were too overwhelming for him. He was awed into silence and driven to his knees whereupon he cried out behold what shall I answer! I lay my hand upon my mouth. Chapter 40 verse 4 he humbly repents, in 42 verses 5 to 6 he says I've heard of you by the hearing of the ear but now my eye sees You. I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. So, trials are the remedy for man's pride. God allows them sometimes to humble our pride. God's children are permitted the experience of trials and of suffering that then they might come to see themselves as God sees them and see God as he really is. Such a revelation will humble the true child of God and can only come many times through the humbling experiences of suffering when man comes to realize that he's but flesh and that God's ways are often beyond his finite wisdom and comprehension. The psalmist had insight into this virtue of maintaining the proper attitude toward God with respect to humility and God's purposes, for he cried, "Lord make me to know mine end and the measure of my days what it is and let me know how frail I am" Psalm 39:4. So, we see sometimes trials and sufferings are for the purpose of humbling our pride. God is not always going to give us a reason or an answer for why we're going through that particular trial or tribulation. You see, we're just going to have to trust Him as His righteousness and wisdom are perfect. You will notice God did not give Job any reasons for going through those trials, He just paraded His wisdom before Job and Job was expected to trust him. Part 5.) Another purpose in our suffering trials is for the purpose of developing patience and endurance and godly contentment. Afflictions and sufferings often beset the righteous and they experience many kinds of trials. For example, their plans and purposes sometimes are upset or postponed, their intentions are interrupted, their well-laid projects and plans are obstructed and sometimes interfered, all for the purpose of developing in the children of God a patient endurance and submission to the will and purpose of God. Such trials and delays and interruptions will often teach the one who experiences it the virtue of submitting humbly to God and waiting upon Him. We read in James chapter 5 verses 7-11, Be patient therefore brethren unto the coming of the Lord, behold the husbandman, the farmer, waits for the precious fruit of the earth being patient over it until he receives the early and latter rain, be you also patient establish your hearts for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Take brethren, for an example of suffering and his patient endurance, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold we call them blessed that endure. You have heard of the endurance of Job, he endured and have seen the end of the Lord that the Lord is full of pity and mercy. So trials often offer the purpose of developing in the child of God patient endurance and godly contentment. You see, patient endurance will produce contentment in the midst of trials and tests and delays. Paul in writing to the Philippians in chapter 4 says not that I speak in respect of want for I've learned whatever state I am in therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased and I know how to abound everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me. Paul informs us he's learned contentment in the midst of whatever he experiences. Have you learned such contentment? Your trials are often designed to produce in you godly contentment and patient endurance. Now we should point out that some people try to justify their own lack of faith by quoting this passage. They try to justify why they never have anything or why they're always in need and why they always want this or that and are not satisfied. That is missing the meaning of Paul's purpose in writing these things plus it misses the context. In verse 19 we read, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. We have all the promises, such as Matthew 6:33, if you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness God will supply all of your material needs. So we can't use this passage out of its context to try to justify why we don't have faith or we do not have anything. Paul wasn't always hungry simply because he said he knew how to be full or hungry. He was not starving to death but saying that when he suffered needs at times in his ministry that he learned to be content. There are many times that we have to wait to see the answer to our prayers. You don't always get the answer seen immediately and that's to teach you godly contentment as you wait for God to bring to pass whatever you've prayed about. Hebrews 10:23, let us hold fast to our confession of faith without doubting for God is faithful who made the promise. We are to submit to that trial and learn patient endurance which will result in godly contentment. Keep in mind God is not going to contradict Himself for he says, my God will supply all of your needs according to his riches and glory. David said I've never seen the righteous forsaken nor his seed begging bread. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and I'll supply all of your material needs. These promises do not mean on the other hand that we will not suffer sometimes temporary lacks and needs but we are to be content in those times. We can believe the promises of God but the answers are not always seen immediately. We are to learn godly contentment and patient endurance as we wait upon God to supply that need and overcome that problem and deliver us eventually out of that trial. God will do it if you will hold fast to your confession of faith. Part 6.) Suffering and trials are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. We read of Christ in Hebrews 5:8 that though he were the Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which he suffered. Now this does not mean that He did not know already how to obey or that he did not know what obedience meant. This passage does not mean that he was not willing to obey the Father without trials but it means that in his humanity he learned from practical experience what obedience was. He proved Himself through the experiences of trials and sufferings that he was obedient. He became personally acquainted with the experience of obedience to God in the midst of trial and testing. It is not something you can learn out of a book or from a teacher. You can only learn these things through experience and you can only learn obedience through the experience of having your obedience or allegiance to God tested. Now this is one of the objects of our trials and sufferings so that we may be like Jesus. He learned what it means to obey under the pressure of trials. Without trials and tests you would be tempted many times to become self-confident and careless and through trials God teaches us how to become submissive and obedient. It's like training a dog. Trials are God's method of obedience training. Hebrews 5:8 is an important principle concerning the meaning of our trials. It means that trials are one of the best ways to get us to translate words into deeds. How many people do you know who have failed to make their deeds match their words in time of testing? They say one thing but in time of testing they do something else. While Jesus already covered this situation in the parable of the sower when He said the one that received the seed into stony places is the same as he that heareth the word and anon with joy receives it yet he has no root in himself and he endures for a while. Then when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word he falls away. So trials, testings, and tribulation are for the purpose of teaching us obedience. There are just some things that cannot be learned any other way except through trials, testing and the tribulation. Part 7.) Next we see sufferings for the purpose of the development of godly character. We read in James 1:2-4, Count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials knowing that the proving of your faith works steadfastness and let steadfastness have its perfect work that you may be perfect and entire lacking in nothing. Now the perfection referred to here is that of spiritual maturity which is attained through the patient endurance of trials and afflictions for righteousness sake. The endurance of testing and trial forms the habit of perseverance of steadfastness. Testing properly endured develops the moral character and strengthens the spiritual life. So the crosses Christ sends you as His child are for the purpose of maturing you, perfecting you. Your spiritual life is strengthened through the sanctifying power of suffering. Peter tells us in 1st Peter 5:10 and the God of all Grace who called you unto his eternal glory in Christ after that you've suffered a little while will Himself perfect, establish, and strengthen you. That is the purpose of your trials- to perfect you and your character. The person who has never been tested may be innocent but not necessarily trustworthy. We see this in the case of Adam. It's only through trials, affliction, and testing that a holy, godly, and trustworthy Christian character can be developed. The trials and testings develop godly character James informs us in Chapter 1- to count it all joy when we fall into divers trials because this is perfecting us and bringing us into godly perfection. Also, suffering trial and tribulation for the Gospels sake is often the doorway to inner spiritual strength. The meaning of suffering and affliction is often misunderstood by many Christians. We must see that the immediate removal of your trials and afflictions would be against your best spiritual interest. Many times, the sufficiency of the grace of God in the power of Christ cannot always be demonstrated, except through the experience of suffering trials and tribulation. When you must rely completely on God's grace to endure the affliction and triumph over your trials, divine strength becomes perfected in the sufferer as he learns it is sufficient. That is, God's grace is sufficient without the added favor of the immediate removal of the trial. There are times, as the Apostle shows, when glorying in one's weaknesses and trials, is far more profitable than the constant praying for their immediate removal. Paul said when I'm weak then I'm strong. The trials and severe testing at times reduce us to a place where we trust and rest in God's grace alone. There are higher purposes in our trials and afflictions than just the immediate removal of them. It's glorious when you come to the place that you can say, God's grace is all I need. God's grace is sufficient for me in this time of testing and trial. Praise God for His grace, He is all I need and His grace is sufficient. Have you been through a trial that brought you to the place where you could say "I know the sufficiency of God's grace in my severe weakness?" Part 8.) Another purpose in our suffering trial and tribulation for righteousness sake is suffering for the purpose of sharing in the afflictions of Christ. First Peter 4:13; but rejoice inasmuch as you are partakers of Christ's sufferings when His glory is revealed you may be glad with exceeding joy! Few understand the significance that we are called to partake of Christ's own sufferings and we are to rejoice in them. In all their afflictions, Christians are viewed as having fellowship with Christ and His sufferings. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippians that he was glad to count all things lost for Christ so that he might know Him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings. The significance of sharing in Christ's sufferings is that they are endured in the same cause in which His sufferings were endured. God's glorious purposes in our sufferings, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual are inflicted upon the disciples of Jesus because they're like Him. They now stand in His place so that His reproaches might now fall upon them and His sufferings might be continued and fulfilled in his disciples. It's really Christ's sufferings which fall upon the Christian declared by the Apostle Paul when he said "now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake because I fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh" Colossians 1:24. If His disciples are close enough to Christ to share in His life he is saying they will be close enough to share in His sufferings. For all that would live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution 2nd Timothy 3:12. This is a promise for you as a disciple and all that would live godly in Christ Jesus, that they shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 2:21 says for unto this were you called, because Christ also suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in His steps. Thus the Christian partakes of the sufferings of Christ, not in a way of supplementing Jesus' suffering, but by becoming sharers in those sufferings in the communion of affliction with Jesus Christ. This is our calling, to have a fellowship of suffering with Jesus Christ in our trials and persecution. Hebrews 13;12,13 We are told "wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people through his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us therefore go forth unto him without the camp bearing his reproach". See also Philippians 1:29. As a Christian it has been granted in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him but also to suffer on His behalf. We are called to suffer and be partakers of Christ's sufferings. We fill up in our lives that which is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. What Paul means is that if Christ were still here He would still suffer persecution, rejection, and even crucifixion. Since He is not here in the world, they cannot touch Him. False religion cannot reproach and revile Him since they see Him no more. But all of this hate and reviling, reproach and persecution by the world and organized religion will come upon the true disciples of Jesus Christ since they see Jesus in you! This is a promise, that if you follow in His steps, you will suffer persecution. So suffering trial and tribulation, affliction and persecution is for the glorious purpose of sharing in Christ's sufferings and afflictions. Nothing brings spiritual maturity and favor with God faster than enduring these persecutions which are given to those faithful disciples strong enough to receive them. Part 9.) Now another purpose in suffering is to prepare the Christian for his citizenship in the kingdom of God. Paul addresses the Thessalonians saying we ourselves glory in you and the churches of God for your patience and faith in your persecutions and your afflictions which you endure. He says this is to prepare you and to make you counted worthy of the kingdom of God for which you suffer. 2nd Thessalonians 1:4 and 5. Through their subjection to suffering, God thus prepares His people for future glory in His kingdom. They prove by their consistency and endurance their right to their inheritance. Thus the glories of the heavenly kingdom are held up as a reward for faithful endurance from the obedient Christian. So Christ, we are told, for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross despising the shame and sat down on the right hand of God. In 2nd Timothy 2:12 we are told if we endure, we shall also reign with Him. Matthew 24:13 we find “he that endureth to the end the same shall be saved.” The close relationship between the endurance of suffering and entrance into the kingdom is set forth in Acts 14:22. We must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. The patient endurance of tribulation and suffering is the only assurance you have that you are an heir to the kingdom of God. So one's endurance becomes a token of his divine citizenship. The parable of the sower taught by Christ shows this truth. Some do not endure during the tribulation and persecution because of the word and they fall away. Christ said blessed are they that are persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of God. Suffering is to make us ready to enter the kingdom of God. Part 10.) Now we have another purpose in our trials. We see the Bible shows suffering strengthens and purifies the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The church benefits spiritually in times of persecution. Persecution purges the Church of its chaff and unites the true disciples in an inseparable bond of love and faith. Their witness becomes bold and effective and the Lord is glorified in a way that can never be realized in those periods of material prosperity and peaceful harmony with the world. It was only after the terrible persecution the Church of Jerusalem suffered at the hands of Saul before his conversion that the gospel was effectively spread throughout the world. We read this in Acts chapter 8 and it was during the early period of threats, beatings, and reproaches by the religious leaders that the church received divine power to proclaim its message. We read they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the Word of God with boldness and with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. See Acts chapter 4. It is an acknowledged fact, that only in those areas of the world in those periods of history when the church has been suffering persecution and affliction, that Christianity was really alive and vigorous and spiritually effective. This is still true today. It was to the persecuted Church of Smyrna that Christ said "I know your tribulation and your poverty but you are rich" Revelation 2:9. Many Christians who do not understand the purpose of God in suffering and the scriptural exhortation for the Christian to rejoice in time of trial and suffering, this is somewhat of a mystery. James declared, count it all joy my brethren when you fall into manifold trials James 1:2. Christ said to his disciples that in times of tribulation and persecution they should rejoice and be exceedingly glad. Matthew 5:12. Instead, many Christians complain and say in time of trial and testing, oh why does this have to happen to me? How long is this going to last? I don't understand why this is happening. I try to live right and do what is right. To rejoice in trials and afflictions is the opposite to the ways and thinking of the world. The Apostle Peter confirms and encourages the persecuted Christians by saying if he be reproached for the name of Christ blessed are you because the Spirit of glory and the Spirit of God rests on you! First Peter 4:14. The reason the Christian should rejoice in the time of suffering is because of their blessedness in God's sight. Jesus had this in mind when He said blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10. Such affliction is viewed not only as a special privilege granted to the believer, but it's an unmistakable token of God's acceptance of this individual, a token that he is to share in Christ's exaltation and glory at the second coming. The Scriptures tell us that if we suffer with Him we will reign with Him. We read in Romans 8:16 and 17 that the Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God and if children then heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ if so be that we suffer with him that we may also be glorified with Him. We are not to despise suffering and tribulation and avoid trials at all costs. No man shall enter the kingdom of God who has not suffered with Christ or who has not suffered for righteousness sake. We might as well face it, the New Testament promises persecution to the righteous. Jesus said in John 15 if they persecuted me they will persecute you. He that lives godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. It is evidence that you're on the right road, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. May God richly bless this word to your heart and give grace to overcome in all things to the glory of God and advancement of His kingdom on earth. Amen. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

TODAY'S KINGDOM INSIGHTS: SERMON TOPIC: THE REAL REASON BARABBAS WAS SET FREE AND NOT JESUS. Main Text: Matthew 27:15–26; Mark 15:6–15; Luke 23:13–25; John 18:38–40 There are moments in Scripture that make us stop and ask, “How could this happen?” Jesus was innocent. Barabbas was guilty. Jesus healed the sick. Barabbas was a criminal. Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God. Barabbas was associated with rebellion and violence. Yet the crowd shouted: “Release Barabbas!” And concerning Jesus: “Crucify Him!” It looks like injustice won. But here is the deeper truth: Barabbas was not simply released because Jesus lost the argument. Barabbas was released because Jesus was going to take his place. The story of Barabbas is actually a picture of the Gospel. Barabbas represents the guilty sinner. Jesus represents the innocent Savior. Barabbas walked away free because Jesus walked toward the cross. And that is the mystery of grace: The guilty goes free because the innocent One takes his place. 1. BARABBAS WAS GUILTY, BUT JESUS WAS INNOCENT Pilate examined Jesus and repeatedly found no sufficient reason to condemn Him. Luke 23:22 says: «“I have found no reason for death in Him.”» Jesus was innocent. But Barabbas had committed serious crimes. Mark 15:7 tells us that Barabbas had been involved in rebellion and murder. So, humanly speaking, the choice should have been obvious. But the crowd chose Barabbas. Why? Because the cross was not an accident. Jesus had already declared that He came to give His life for others. Mark 10:45 says: «“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”» Jesus knew why He came. He came to become the substitute. Spiritual Insight Sometimes we ask, “Why did Jesus have to die?” The answer is partly found in Barabbas. Someone had to bear the consequence of sin. And Jesus willingly took that place. 2. BARABBAS RECEIVED WHAT JESUS DESERVED This is the shocking part of the story. Barabbas deserved punishment. Jesus deserved no punishment. Yet Barabbas walked out of prison. Jesus walked toward Golgotha. Barabbas went free. Jesus was condemned. Barabbas was released. Jesus was crucified. This is substitution. The guilty person goes free because the innocent person takes his place. Isaiah 53:5 declares: «“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities.”» Notice the language: Our transgressions. Our iniquities. Our punishment. The cross was personal. Jesus was not dying because He had sinned. He was dying because we had sinned. Think About This Barabbas probably did not understand everything that was happening. He may have walked out of that prison wondering how he escaped death. But we know something he may not have understood: Another Man died in his place. And spiritually, that is our story. We were guilty. Christ took our place. 3. THE RELEASE OF BARABBAS REVEALS THE DEPTH OF GOD'S GRACE Grace is not God pretending that sin does not matter. Grace is God dealing with sin through the sacrifice of Christ. Romans 5:8 says: «“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”» That means Jesus did not wait for us to become perfect before He loved us. He loved us while we were still sinners. Barabbas did not earn his freedom. He did not negotiate his release. He did not pay the governor. He simply received an unexpected release. That is grace. Grace is receiving what you could never earn because someone else paid the price. You cannot boast about salvation. You cannot say, “I saved myself.” No. Jesus saved you. 4. THE CROWD CHOSE BARABBAS, BUT GOD WAS WORKING THROUGH THE CROSS The crowd thought they were making the final decision. But heaven had already established a redemptive purpose. Acts 2:23 says that Jesus was delivered according to the “determined purpose and foreknowledge of God.” This does not mean the people were innocent. Their choices were still sinful. But God was able to accomplish His redemptive plan through what sinful people intended for evil. This is one of the mysteries of God's sovereignty. People thought: “We are getting rid of Jesus.” God was accomplishing: “I am providing salvation for humanity.” The cross looked like defeat. But it became victory. The grave looked like the end. But resurrection was coming. Never Judge God's Work Too Early There may be seasons in your life when everything looks like it is going in the wrong direction. But remember Calvary. Friday looked like defeat. Sunday revealed the victory. Do not conclude the story while God is still writing it. 5. BARABBAS IS A PICTURE OF EVERY SINNER WHO RECEIVES SALVATION We often read the story and say: “Why did they release Barabbas?” But there is another question: “What if I were Barabbas?” What if you were the one sitting in that prison? What if you knew punishment was coming? What if you knew you were guilty? Then suddenly, the story becomes personal. Barabbas walked out because Jesus took his place. And every person who comes to Christ in genuine faith can say: “I deserved judgment, but Christ took my place.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says: «“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”» That is the Gospel. Jesus took our place so that we could receive His righteousness. BIBLICAL CASE STUDY: THE CROSS Look at the sequence. Barabbas: Guilty. Jesus: Innocent. Barabbas: Imprisoned. Jesus: Free. Barabbas: Released. Jesus: Condemned. Barabbas: Walked away. Jesus: Walked toward the cross. Barabbas: Lived because another died. Believers: Receive eternal life because Christ died and rose again. The cross is therefore more than a religious symbol. It is the place where justice and mercy met. Justice says sin must be dealt with. Mercy says sinners can be saved. At the cross, Jesus bore the judgment so that mercy could reach us. PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR CHRISTIANS. 1. Never take salvation for granted. You were not saved because you were better than someone else. You were saved by grace. Therefore, remain humble. 2. Stop trying to earn God's love You cannot work your way into salvation. Serve God because you love Him, not because you are trying to purchase His acceptance. 3. Forgive others If Christ has forgiven you, you must learn to extend forgiveness to others. 4. Live like someone who has been set free Barabbas walked out of prison. The believer has also been delivered from the dominion of sin. Do not keep living like a prisoner when Christ has made you free. 5. Tell someone about Jesus Your testimony may be simple: “I was guilty, but Jesus took my place.” That is powerful enough. QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION 1. Have I truly understood what Jesus accomplished for me on the cross? 2. Am I trying to earn God's acceptance instead of receiving His grace? 3. Do I live like someone who has been set free? 4. Have I truly repented of my sins? 5. Who can I tell about the saving grace of Jesus Christ? 6. Do I extend to others the same mercy I have received from Christ? POWERFUL PRAYER POINTS 1. Prayer of Thanksgiving Father, thank You for sending Jesus Christ to take my place. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. I will never take my salvation for granted. In Jesus' name, Amen. 2. Prayer of Repentance Lord Jesus, forgive me for every sin, disobedience, pride, and rebellion in my life. Cleanse me and help me walk faithfully with You. Amen. 3. Prayer for Freedom Every chain of sin, addiction, fear, and spiritual bondage in my life, break in the name of Jesus. I declare that whom the Son sets free is free indeed. Amen. 4. Prayer for Grace Father, help me to understand the depth of Your grace and to live every day with gratitude for what Christ has done for me. Amen. 5. Prayer for Others Lord, use my life to bring other Barabbases to Jesus—people who feel condemned, rejected, broken, and far from You. Let my testimony point them to the cross. Amen. DEEP SPIRITUAL TRUTH Here is the heart of the message: Barabbas was released, not because he was innocent, but because another took his place. And that is the Gospel. We are not saved because we are perfect. We are saved because Jesus is perfect. We are not accepted because we deserve it. We are accepted because Christ paid the price. We are not standing before God because of our righteousness. We stand because of His righteousness. The cross says: “Your sin is serious, but God's grace is greater.” CALL TO ACTION Today, do not simply admire the story of Barabbas. See yourself in it. You were guilty. Christ took your place. You were condemned. Christ bore the condemnation. You were far from God. Christ opened the way back to the Father. The question is not merely: “Why was Barabbas released?” The deeper question is: “What will I do with the Jesus who took my place?” Will you continue living for yourself? Or will you surrender your life completely to Him? Will you keep returning to the prison of sin? Or will you walk in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Jesus took your place. Now give Him your life. «“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36» You are not free because you were innocent. You are free because Jesus became your substitute. THE CROSS WAS HIS PLACE. THE FREEDOM WAS YOURS. THE SACRIFICE WAS HIS. THE GRACE IS YOURS. Come to Jesus. Remain in Jesus. Live for Jesus. And tell the world about Jesus. Amen. Give your life to Jesus by joining a Bible believing Church near you. 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❤️WHY DO THE RIGHTEOUS SUFFER? Part 1 of 2. I would like to address one of the most puzzling and perplexing problems confronting the Christian today and that is why do the righteous suffer? In order to deal with this adequately, we're going to be looking at the book of Job. We read in Job Chapter 1:1f There was a man in the Land of Oz whose name is Job and that man was perfect and upright and one that feared God and turned away from evil. We continue to read in the book of Job how he lost everything, his family, his property, his possessions, and then lost his health with a loathsome disease. The universal problem of whether or not suffering is a sign of divine displeasure, and thus presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer, is the theme of the book of Job. The central problem of the book of Job is the central problem of humanity. Why do men suffer the way they do, and especially, why do the righteous suffer? Why are not godly, righteous, faithful obedient men and women always blessed? Why does it seem many of the ungodly prosper and are never in trouble? A Christian wonders why must I suffer this or that, or why must I go through this trial, or why do I have to experience all of this pain and adversity? I'm a Christian, I study the Bible, I love the Lord. I feel that I'm obedient, so why do I go through such long trials, hardships, and personal attacks? To make things even worse, many times there is no immediate answer and it's a real test of your faith as with Job. Is all adversity and suffering the direct result of sin? What is the basis upon which prosperity and adversity, blessing and misfortune, affliction and health happen to people? What is the basis upon which these things are distributed to men in this life? The principal aim of the book of Job is to disprove the popular theory that was held by many of the Jews and it's still popular today, that all suffering is a sign of God's displeasure and presupposes sin on the part of the sufferer. Inseparably related to the problem of suffering is the greater problem of evil and to consider one necessitates the consideration of the other. The problem of evil results from the clear fact that within the world that God created good according to Genesis 1, it was created very good! Within this world that God created good there is much that is now imperfect. It has become a world of suffering, sin, hate, warfare, oppression, evil and death. Now even a superficial observer will note that these two facts present somewhat of a dilemma. On the one hand Genesis 1 shows that God created all things good and he hates evil. On the other hand, we've seen the widespread evil and suffering that's in this world of imperfection. Now how can we explain this: what has happened? Some suggest that either God cannot remove evil nor could he have prevented its entrance into his world. Others say God does not will to prevent it and did not will to prevent its entrance into the Garden of Eden. Now the first conclusion will be rejected by all who believe in the Sovereign God of the Bible but neither is the second alternative any help in solving the apparent dilemma. It doesn't give us a satisfactory solution and so believers and Christians have always sought a third alternative to explain the problem of evil in a good universe. Now the book of Job is in reality the source material for a study of some of the most profound theological questions of the Bible- the problem of the righteous suffering adversity and the meaning of the presence of evil in a world God created good. It gives us the source of sickness and adversity. It's not God as some think and is often implied today. It's Satan who is behind the scenes doing this. No book in the Bible gives more insight into the problem of why the righteous suffer and the meaning and purpose of evil in the world. Now we will examine that question. There are three basic solutions that have been given to the problem of evil. First there's a denial of its existence. We're told all evil is only an illusion. This is fundamentally the doctrinal position of the Christian Scientists. All evil experienced, meaning sin, suffering, pain, and the like are purely subjective, existing only in the mind of the observer. They have no objective reality. Christian science teaches that since God is good, he could not permit evil to exist and therefore evil is not real. Suffering, evil, sin, and Satan and death are the imagination of man's finite mind. They're only an illusion. They have no reality and would disappear if man would by faith and self-discipline deny their existence. Of course, the objections to this hypothesis are almost self-evident. Even if this hypothesis were accepted as valid, which it isn't, one is still faced with the question of how the appearance of evil and suffering is to be explained. I mean what's the origin and meaning of the illusion of pain and suffering and death? The illusion of pain and suffering is as real to the sufferer as real pain and suffering. A world in which the majority of its inhabitants are deceived with respect to the presence of suffering needs as much explaining as one in which evil is a genuine reality. It doesn't solve the problem, it only changes the terminology from reality to illusion. The suffering and the evil remain. It is quite obvious that this view is unbiblical and is out of harmony with the facts of experience. I mean Christian Scientists yell just as loudly as anyone else when they mashed their finger with a hammer. They go right on dying like the rest of humanity. Another suggested solution is the error is finitism. We're told God's power is limited. The doctrine of the finite God is the solution that we must choose, we are told. The fact that God is not completely good and that he is not omnipotent is an unscriptural attempt to explain the presence of moral and natural evil. The limitation doctrine argues that God made the best kind of world that he could but that even God could not prevent the presence of evil. Finitism, we are told, preserves the goodness of God and recognizes that God is not the source of all things. He is the source of all that is good and He is an opposition to all that is evil. Finitism seems to be a solution to some people. But again, this theory is unbiblical. The doctrine of a finite God cannot stand in view of the testimony of Scripture. See Daniel 4:35 Jeremiah 32:17, Matthew 19:26, Romans 9, Job 1 and 2. We're told that God is in control of all events and governments in heaven and earth. Nothing is too hard for God and with God nothing is impossible. As we read Job chapters 1 & 2 we see that Satan had to get God's permission to afflict Job. The concept of an eternal principle of evil against which God is engaged in some cosmic struggle and the outcome of which is by no means certain is platonic dualism pure and simple. It's not Biblical. The doctrine of finitism is no solution at all to the problem but simply a sophisticated shortcut to avoid what appears to be a dilemma. It results from the fallacy that one must either give up the goodness of God or His omnipotence and power since there appears to be an alleged conflict. The only solution seems to be to sacrifice his omnipotence according to this unscriptural view. Now a third solution which we believe to be the biblical one, is that a moral world involves the possibility of evil. In a moral universe of free creatures, the possibility of moral development involves the possibility of the entrance of moral evil and its consequences into the world. For example, we see in the narratives of Genesis that God did not intend to compel moral obedience, but that a holy moral character could only be developed by voluntary free choice on Adam's part. Hence, a world without the possibility of disobeying God would not present the necessary means of developing moral character. Adam was not born with a holy moral character, but he was innocent. He was pure, but you're not born with character. This must develop and grow as you respond to the experiences of life. Trials, adversities, and so forth are designed to shape one's character. Someone has pointed out that these sufferings sometimes crush the person who experiences it. There are times when the final result is more glorious than would be conceivable in any other kind of universe. Therefore, this view does give us a workable solution to the problem of evil and helps explain the purpose of suffering. It is the suffering of the righteous and the allowance of the entrance of sin into the world. This view involves a possibility of the entrance of evil and also helps explain God's self-imposed limitations. Now those terms are important. We see God is presented in Scripture as omnipotent and all-powerful. But it is also true that, at the moment He created something outside himself, man who is a free moral creature, who could have the power at least temporarily to say no to God, that there was to some degree a self-imposed limitation which God placed upon Himself. This does not mean that God has limited His sovereignty, power, or His rule by creating a being in his own image who had the power to rebel against him. But it does mean that God chose to exercise his sovereignty in a universe filled with creatures who could temporarily rebel against that sovereignty. Notice it's only temporary, and so we see a moral world involves the possibility of the entrance and presence of moral evil. This brings us to the basic question that we're going to discuss. The perplexing problem of why the righteous suffer and biblical solutions. It's not unusual that trials and sufferings of the child of God may involve several purposes. We shall explore these next. Part 2.) First, we see that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We will see from this study that the righteous suffering trial and affliction is not always evidence that they have sinned or evidence that God is displeased with them. There may be some deeper purpose in God allowing it and that is to bring them into conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. Examining these purposes is necessary because the Christian goes through trials and sufferings of many kinds. Therefore, they need to know whether or not these are chastisements, are things to be resisted as from the devil, or if these things are from the hand of God! This way we will not be resisting when we should be submitting so we will benefit from our trials and testings. We mentioned that trials and sufferings have an educational purpose. We see Job's misfortunes and sufferings at first of all as a teaching and educational purpose. We see spiritual wisdom and discernment do not automatically come to the believer but they are gained through the times of hardship and suffering and of trial and testing. Job learned the meaning of an abiding faith in God. He received an education along the line of an abiding and steadfast faith. See chapter 13 in verses 15-18. Job said though he slay me yet will I trust him. He came to know what genuine faith was and he was willing to trust God in spite of circumstances and appearances. He came to know in a more meaningful way God as his Redeemer in chapter 19. He has come through a great valley of testing and trial and affliction and there's one thing he says. I don't understand all of this, but I do know my redeemer lives and then he became confident in his future of vindication. We see that in chapter 9 verses 32-35, chapter 16 verse 19, chapter 13 verse 18. He said I know that I will be justified and this suffering of mine is not the result of sin, but I will be vindicated. Almost beside himself from grief and suffering, he came into a deeper assurance of a future life beyond the grave and this present world of inequality, injustice, and affliction. He came into a deeper understanding of the sovereignty of God. In chapters 38 to 41 where the Lord addresses him in two discourses of speeches, Job said, I've heard of You in the hearing of the ear and now my eye has seen You. I abhor myself and I repent in dust and in ashes. He said, I lay my hand over my mouth and I'll not speak again. I've spoken once, I've spoken twice but now, he says I'll not speak again. God revealed to him his sovereignty. God doesn't answer job's perplexities or questions. He just reminds him that He is God and that whatever he does is righteous. So, the educational purpose and significance of suffering is evident throughout the Bible especially in the book of Job as Job progressively moves from one valley of doubt and mystery to another. Each time climbing to a mountain peak of faith as he conquers his fears and his doubts and he comes to a new understanding and appreciation of the promises of God. The meaning of suffering is first and foremost of all for the express purpose of developing within the heart of the saint the assurance and understanding of his trust in God. In psalm 119 verses 65-72. The psalmist said there that he praises the Lord for afflicting him because then he came to know how to obey the Lord as he should. He said I thank You for the correction of my affliction because now I've come to understand better how to obey your precepts and your law. Our trials and tests, persecutions and the like have an educational purpose. When Jesus saves you, he sends you to His school. That is the school of the trial of your faith. Sadly, most Christians have not been taught this. They do not profit from their lessons so they keep taking the same course over and over. This is because they're flunking the tests. They've not been taught to submit to the trials but instead resist them. They think trials are something to be avoided at all costs. The Bible says we are to rejoice in our trials, James 1, because it is working in us the steadfast endurance we need to mature. Jesus told us that trials are to be a cause of rejoicing in Matthew 5, because when we're persecuted he said, rejoice because great is your reward in heaven. We are not to resist these things. Again, in Acts 14:22, for we must by much tribulation enter the kingdom of God. If you're trying to get off the pathway of trial and if you're trying to get out of that school, then you are on the wrong path. Realize you will not be able to graduate because you're flunking the course or you become a spiritual dropout from the school of the trial of your faith. Trials and sufferings are designed by God because He loves you and desires to educate you in an abiding faith in knowing that He is able to deliver and protect you keeping you to the end. You come to trust Him in spite of circumstances as Job. You come to the place where you can say though He slay me yet will I trust Him. That doesn't make any sense to your head or your intellect, but if you stay in God's school and learn your lessons as you should, it will make sense to your spirit and to your heart. Trials and sufferings of the believer for righteousness' sake have an educational purpose. Stay in God's school long enough for him to teach you something and you'll find you'll be blessed for it with a mature faith and trust in the plans and purposes of God in your life! Part 3.) Next, we see that sometimes sufferings and trials have a punitive purpose. This is the solution, by the way, to the problem suggested by Job's friends. You'll notice this as you read the book and although it is by no means the whole answer, yet it does have its place in the total picture. This is the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7 - for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. There are natural consequences of sin and so sometimes trials and sufferings have a punitive purpose. Punitive means punishment. Some of these things we endure and suffer are because we've not heeded the law of sowing and reaping Galatians 6:7. We see this throughout the Bible that this works for the saint as well as the sinner. We have to obey this law. If we don't sow to the Spirit and sow to the flesh, we're going to reap the consequences. We see this in the case of David. He had to reap what he sowed in his sin with Bathsheba. We read the sword never departed from his house, although he did receive forgiveness. We also see this in the New Testament in 1st Corinthians 5 and 1st Corinthians 11. Some of the Christians were not partaking of the communion the Lord's Supper as they should. Therefore, Paul says you don't discern the Lord's body, you're not eating this supper worthily, and therefore some of you are sick and some of you are dying prematurely. This is the law of sowing and reaping. For example, if a Christian girl allows herself to get into trouble and becomes pregnant, she may repent of that sin and be forgiven but she'll still suffer the stigma of bearing an illegitimate child. She's still going to suffer the consequences of what she sowed, for whatsoever you sow you reap. Galatians 6:7. So there's no way to get around the fact that you're going to reap what you sow. This is why sometimes we suffer trials and afflictions. We should examine our lives to see whether or not God is judging us because of something we have disobeyed him about or not getting our lives corrected about some matter. Now what's the significance of Job's suffering in relation to the punitive purpose? Remember this is the suggested solution of Job's three friends. The principle upon which all suffering is based they said is this- that suffering is a direct result of sin and a just recompense for it. Job's sufferings, they insisted, were a sign of divine displeasure and presupposed sin on his part. Now of course the Bible does set forth this principle. It's the law of sowing and reaping where righteousness will bring prosperity and blessing, disobedience and wickedness will bring adversity. This is a principle set forth throughout the Bible as Deuteronomy 28 which is a good example of that. Psalm 1 is another example. But what of the righteous individual who often is the victim of misfortune and suffering, and why so often do the ungodly seem to prosper? What's the explanation for the suffering of the innocent and the prosperity of the wicked? Was the popular notion that the innocent do not suffer and the wicked are always afflicted contrary to the facts, even as Bildad and Zophar dogmatically insisted it was true? They insisted the principle was immutable and that Job, though outwardly righteous, nevertheless must be guilty of some heinous secret sins. Their philosophy was this, that all sin causes suffering. Job is suffering. The conclusion, Job must be a sinner! Job's sufferings, they argue, convict him implicitly of some grave sin and they plead with him to acknowledge it and repent. Job protests his innocence throughout the book and so we still are faced with the perplexing question. Why then is Job suffering? Remember he didn't have chapters 1 and 2 which give us the explanation. He had to endure this experience before the answer came. What then is the explanation for those instances which seemed by the Scriptures, show the moral principle of cause and effect, sowing and reaping, that they could not always be forced into a neat logical system? The laws governing society did not guarantee that in some individual cases the innocent might not suffer and that wickedness might not elude temporary judgment. No, throughout the scriptures we see that suffering is not necessarily the direct result of prior sins. This is proven in many passages as Jeremiah 19, Ezekiel 21, Amos chapter 2, In John 9, the case of the blind man, Jesus said this man was not blind because of his parent's sin or his own sin but that God might be glorified in his healing. So, also, in the case of Job, we see he suffered innocently. What the Scriptures do teach is this - that in the light of eternity it is the righteous who will be blessed and the wicked who will suffer. We should not judge too soon. The conclusion is this, suffering and adversity may sometimes be the result of sin and therefore the purpose is punitive, but this is not always the case. Don't follow Job's friends' rigid thinking in condemning someone when you do not have all the facts. Part 4.) Sometimes trials and suffering have a disciplinary purpose. There are times afflictions are the chastisements of a loving Father. This is in harmony with Hebrews 12, 1st Corinthians 5, 1st Corinthians 11 and proverbs 3 verses 11-12. Who the Lord loves He chastens. The Scriptures tell us in Job chapter 33, that God speaks to man and the purpose for that is he may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. He is chastened also with pain upon his bed and the multitude of his bones with strong pain. God chastens his children because he doesn't want His children going on a path of destruction from disobedience to His Word and will for their lives. We read in Hebrews 12 that who the Lord loves He chastens and He scourges every son He receives. Job 33 speaks of one form of chastisement being sickness. In Hebrews 12 it doesn't say anything about sickness being a form of chastisement. God has many ways to chasten His children. Sometimes he just withholds his blessings. Testing has a way of humbling man's pride. You see, many of Job's utterances under the weight of his afflictions gave indication that his trials had not yet fully accomplished their purpose. You will see this as you read the book of Job. Job sometimes questions God's purposes and in his questioning of God's purpose and his control of human affairs, it implied that Job knew more than God. Sometimes Christians, under the weight of their trials and afflictions, will cry out to God in such a way and try to use their logic and reason to such an extent that they even question God's wisdom in allowing them the trials and afflictions. To be Continued. Edited. Shared. ❤️ God willing, more will be posted soon. All glory to Jesus alone.

Psalm 19:1-14 CEB Heaven is declaring God’s glory; the sky is proclaiming his handiwork. [2] One day gushes the news to the next, and one night informs another what needs to be known. [3] Of course, there’s no speech, no words—their voices can’t be heard— [4] but their sound extends throughout the world; their words reach the ends of the earth. God has made a tent in heaven for the sun. [5] The sun is like a groom coming out of his honeymoon suite; like a warrior, it thrills at running its course. [6] It rises in one end of the sky; its circuit is complete at the other. Nothing escapes its heat. [7] The LORD’s Instruction is perfect, reviving one’s very being. The LORD’s laws are faithful, making naive people wise. [8] The LORD’s regulations are right, gladdening the heart. The LORD’s commands are pure, giving light to the eyes. [9] Honoring the LORD is correct, lasting forever. The LORD’s judgments are true. All of these are righteous! [10] They are more desirable than gold—than tons of pure gold! They are sweeter than honey—even dripping off the honeycomb! [11] No doubt about it: your servant is enlightened by them; there is great reward in keeping them. [12] But can anyone know what they’ve accidentally done wrong? Clear me of any unknown sin [13] and save your servant from willful sins. Don’t let them rule me. Then I’ll be completely blameless; I’ll be innocent of great wrongdoing. [14] Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to you, LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

Fear is a clever adversary. When we think of fear, the first things that come to mind are old, decrepit Victorian mansions or abandoned houses fueled by stories of stories of swinging chandeliers or doors that creak open on their own. Or we might think of less dramatic fears: heights or flying or small spaces. Unless you’re suffering from one of these or other phobias—or ghosts—it is rather easy to simply discard fear as something other people experience. But fear is not so simple. Most often, it sneaks into mind and festers and builds like a bacteria that, if untreated, to infection, sepsis, and even death. You can try preventative measures to keep it at bay, but bacteria can still get in. And you never know until you’re infected until the symptoms appear. This is the primary modus operandi of fear. It sneaks in, debilitates, and even paralyzes. Ultimately, it renders its victim completely helpless. This came to light during an unrelated discussion with my wife. We have been trying to put the finishing touches on my next manuscript, which frankly has been simmering on the backburner over the last several due to life distractions. Currently, it is coming down to fact-checking and formatting endnotes. It is especially nerve-racking because, unlike my previous book, we chose to self-publish this one. We have to get it right. It is all on us. It’s been difficult to release the manuscript. We’re haunted by the questions: is there more that can be done? Is the subject even all that relevant anymore? What am I missing? We check and recheck every detail. We don’t want to let go and send it into a very cruel world. We both recognized this paralysis after hearing ourselves begin everything with the phrase: “I’m afraid…” This realization suddenly made this year make sense. I have felt a bit off most of the year. I have become more subdued, resigned, troubled. I thought I was hiding it okay until a former (and very discerning) student came up to me recently and asked, “Mr. H., are you sad?” That simple, innocent question shook me into an awareness. I don’t necessarily think I am depressed, but something is not right. Since then, between that question and this recent epiphany with my wife, I realized that fear has crept into my life and is now controlling my psyche. The first part of 2026 has been difficult. Now, I won’t pretend that it was somehow more difficult than others. But it has been tough. The remainder of 2026 has been trying to recover from it. Last March, within days of the door slamming shut on my wife’s 25-year career, I lost my mom. In a way, I lost her over the last several years as she sank into dementia, but last March her battle ended. Add this to standard stresses associated with a second semester in a high school, which in and of itself is enough to deplete my tanks. Now I have to tap into mental and emotional resources that don’t exist. Fast forward to the present and I can see how God was with us in the storm. He gave me mental and emotionally resources, I never knew existed. He took care of us despite a huge income drop and being uninsured for a couple of month. Further, I know that my mom is now thinking more clearly than I could ever dream. God gets the glory. However, the enemy used a different tactic to paralyze me. Out of these hardship, fear crept in. And now I realize I am infected with it. Watching my mom sink into the darkness of dementia, I have become afraid that one day I might suffer from that myself. I am afraid of losing my mind. Unfortunately, once fear has a foothold, it doesn’t stop there. Fear escalated from fearing dementia to fearing getting old in general. I am only a few months away from leaving behind my fifties forever. I began to fear getting old. I fear my body slowing down. Simple things become a little harder. My back, my knees, and feet start to hurt a little more. I have a little more trouble hearing someone in a noisy room. I am doing that weird thing with my glasses when transitioning between reading close up and at a distance. It takes longer to get over a cold. Last July, I turned an ankle in Colorado that still aches today. The thought of not driving because driving in the winter or at night just isn’t worth the risk. I don’t want to give up the things that require the energy I had when I was young. How many summer road trips do I have left? What happens when I can no longer match the energy of a classroom of high school students? Fear takes that into a whole new direction. I really don’t want to stop teaching. I love the classroom. I love the cycle of the school calendar. But what happens when my body can’t keep up? Can my filters remain strong enough to keep me from saying something mean or stupid? Will I become tiresome, or in the way? Can I keep my teaching style and not turn into a grumpy old stooge? Worse yet, what happens when I become irrelevant? I have found myself somewhat paralyzed by this fear. And it has dragged me down. It has made me “look sad.” All of this came together with the recent discussion with my wife. Fear has overtaken me. It has taken control of me. But is it too late? Thankfully, no. The most used phrase in the entirety of scripture is: “do not be afraid.” However, one important observation that seems to be overlooked is that that phrase is almost always spoken from the supernatural point of view: God to human, Jesus to human, heavenly messenger to human. From a broader, heavenly perspective to a limited, natural one. “Do not be afraid.” I have thought about this constantly since that epiphany I had with my wife. I should not—must not—live in fear. Not as a child of the King. But how do you switch fear off? It is not as simple as a light switch. Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 10:5: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” The enemy’s game plan is to always whisper thoughts into our head that will trigger fear. We have to be on guard always. When we get the sense of fear, we must be deliberate and take that thought captive and replace it with truth: “My God is bigger”; “He is my protector and comforter”; “This thought is not coming from him”. Fear does not sit on the throne, God does. Fear, by definition, is limited, God is infinite. Fear is merely a tool, God is the creator of everything, including us who are made in gis image. Only God can break through the paralysis fear brings and can heal us. Does that mean those things I fear will never happen? No. They likely will. But however the upcoming years pan out, he is with you, with me. And whatever the future brings, God is God. And he is good.